Tech special: New app helps you hitch a ride with your pals

FrndiNeed is a free app that helps you locate friends who are nearest to your location and allows you to chat with them to plan a ride together. In case of an emergency, it can also notify friends

If you are uncomfortable hitching cab rides all the time, the FrndiNeed (pronounced Friend-in-Need) app might just be the thing for you. Developed by Delhi-based tech start-up, Smartube Entertainment, the app allows you to locate friends nearest to your location for a carpool/cabpool and also allows you to chat with them or poke them to meet or plan a ride together.

(Left) The home page of the app; (right) The FrndiNeed app has an in-built locator that allows you to locate friends nearest to you

The app claims to utilise your geo-location to make everyday travel safer and economically viable. Their other features include a packing planner and an SOS tab for help in urgent situations. In an emergency, it notifies friends who are around you based on your location at that particular time, so that help can reach you in a short time. All you need to do is locate your friend and call or text asking for a lift. After your friend accepts your request, the app will help you with the route required to reach your friend.

The meet-up planner comes handy when you have hours to spend during two meetings. You can plan a meet- up with friends and utilise those hours. You can invite friends and get an update as they accept/decline the request. Apart from these utility features, the app also lets you chat individually or form groups. You can personalise your visibility individually or completely if you don’t wish to share your location.